The Black Death: What was the Black Death?

Key Stage 3 lesson on the Black Death. In this lesson which is approximately 1 hour, we introduce the disease, the symptoms and practice some source interpretation as well. We start with an enquiry mystery around uncovering a plague pit where the pupils are given more and more information to try to work out what the story behind the burials might be. We then introduce the disease, its origins and how it is transmitted through watching a film clip. We then create an annotated diagram around the outline of a body. The pupils will listen to the symptoms of the Black Death at various stages throughout the illness of a victim. The slides have sound effects that the pupils always enjoy. We then look at a source from medieval times and the pupils answer the question about the sources usefulness. This is supported with a writing frame and some ideas to help the pupils. We then finish by playing the game “would you have survived the plague?”. Here the pupils choose numbers that correspond to actions a medieval person may take to help them avoid catching the plague. Some work and some don’t.

In a nutshell included in the lesson is:

Time team investigation starter around uncovering a plague pit
Video clip on the origins of the plague and symptoms
Annotated diagram task around the symptoms
Source task for extended writing with writing frame
“Would you survive the plague?” Bingo.

Hope this saves you valuable planning time.

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